Fragile

I'm sorry you are triggered... Avoid this thread.

What a week. All this, plus a bad side effect from Lamictal and I also spent the afternoon in the ER with my son who was having a severe Asthma attack.

The good news is that I am somewhat OK.

I'll call my T tomorrow just to check in.

Thanks, everyone for being here for me. It can't be easy with everyone going through your own struggles. I hope to pay it forward to you soon.

What side effects are you having from the lamictal? Is it a new med for you?

I hope your son's alright, as well.

Just an article I came across in my wanderings as related to mental illness and marriage that I thought might appeal to some since the issue came up in this topic: NAMI: Beating the Marriage Odds

Readers should be aware that the initial paragraphs can be somewhat discouraging -- if you're feeling triggery, right now might not be the best time to read it. However the article does get better as you read further, particularly at the point that marriage partners begin to offer some specific examples of how they have successfully coped with the difficulties that bipolar disorder can bring to an intimate partnership.

The swollen lymph nodes were from a rare hypersensitivity to Lamictal according to my P-doc. I had to stop taking it. I still have to monitor it because it could be an infection, but she didn't want to take any chances.

Yes, I've seen those statistics before. My husband and I both have bipolar disorder. In a way I guess that is fortunate, for we truly understand what the other is experiencing. On the other hand, it is twice as much craziness (and I use the term affectionately) in the household to deal with. What I highly recommend is marriage counseling. We've worked together on dealing with this disease, and we have been pretty open with our kids. We just have to be. We've been married 22 years, so somehow we've made it work, not always really well, but we've muddled through.

That's certainly encouraging to hear farmergirl. I know of a few other highly successful partnerships in which both partners have some form of mental illness. My own child is currently dating someone who is a high-functioning schizophrenic. It's very early in their relationship and who knows where it's going to go but I'm finding we're not having to struggle to "delicately" educate their current partner the way we've struggled with others. Most of their past partners have no experience with mental illness or bipolar disorder and have frequently found themselves in a position of enabler to a manic episode or serving as a roadblock to successful treatment. It's been a source of strife on more than one occasion.

I think it is in order dear that you two talk about this. There is no sense staying on "for the kids" if that is going to be how things are. I think it is fair to say that you felt this is emotional blackmail. I would have burst a gasket! Still, give him a chance to explain himself. It might not bbe that dire. Huggggs dear, and many hopes for understanding and loving family.

We talked and I told him what kind of support I need and that his comment made me feel unsafe and alone. We have counselling together next Tuesday, so I think it would be a good place to discuss it.

He sends such mixed signals. Yesterday, he said that if he didn't support me, that he wouldn't be here. I am so confused. I guess our relationship has very clear conditions that I didn't see before. I am sure we'll work it out.

That sounds more positive. Hopefully you can help him understand you need consistent supportive signals from him.

Huge hugs to you.

I am not good at communicating with my husband, so I think you're really brave for bringing it up with him, and a positive sign that he's willing to listen to you.

The counseling is a really good idea. This is hard on a marriage. It's hard on you, and it's hard on him. Opening up those lines of communication will be so important for you both. Let us know how it goes.

Yes ! Do let us knwo, dear! Huggs!

Thank you for all you support, everyone. Today I received another application in the endless sea of applications for SSDI. THis is the one that I get to highlight all my shortcomings so they can decide if I have a severe enough condition to receive benefits.

I have such a headache now. I am sorry to be dumping all over everyone this week.

Dump all you want! I'll get a wheelbarrow if we need one!

I have found Bipolar Disorder to be a very lonely place to be. People around you, even your family, can have a very hard time understanding the mood swings. Although my husband is supportive, he still has a hard time understanding. I am a rapid cycler, I often bounce around the block several times a week. It irratates me when he asks me what is wrong!!!

Look up not down! You can only be at the bottom if you allow it to suck you in. Make an appointment with you therapist! Find support somewhere, since you are not getting it at home. Maybe your husband sould attend your therapy sessions too! Maybe he just does not fully understand your condition.

Blessings,
Sherri